Did Imam Hussein Suckle from the Finger of Prophet Muhammad?

Question

The question revolves around whether Imam Hussein did not suckle from Lady Fatima but rather from the finger of Prophet Muhammad. The response discusses the authenticity of the narrations regarding this claim and the interpretations surrounding it.

Answer 1

Peace be upon you.

Upon examining the narrations and references, it becomes clear that the chain of transmission for the mentioned narration is weak. Therefore, we cannot assert its authenticity, nor can we deny it or declare it false. Just as proof requires evidence, so does denial. When we say that the narration is weak, it does not equate to proving its falsehood, but we cannot act upon it or convey it with certainty of its authenticity.

Some believe that the narration has been transmitted in older sources and is not limited to later or modern books, which is a reason to consider it. It is mentioned in Al-Kafi by Sheikh Al-Kulayni (may his soul rest in peace).

Even if we overlook its chain of transmission, we face a problem with its implications. What is the scientific interpretation of suckling?

[Attempt]

Some have tried to explain the matter by relating it to physical influence and interpreting the well-known saying among Muslims (Hussein is from me, and I am from Hussein) accordingly, stating:

The flesh of Hussein (peace be upon him) grew from the flesh and blood of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him). This is in line with the Prophet's saying: 'Hussein is from me, and I am from Hussein.'

Indeed, the poet has beautifully expressed this:

For Allah, a suckling who never suckled from a female's breast, and from purity, his nourishment.

He gives him his thumb at times and his tongue at others, thus his nature became balanced.

(Encyclopedia of Karbala by Labib Baydoun, Volume 1, Page 168)

Another has attempted to relate it to spiritual influence, as attributed to Ibn Shahr Ashub in his book on virtues, suggesting that this represents intellectual nourishment for the Imam, or that Imamate is inherent in his lineage.

These interpretations remain in the realm of possibilities, which is the case for any event that is not explained by narrations.

This question has been posed to several scholars, and among those who responded was the esteemed scholar Sayyid Jaafar Murtada Al-Amili (may Allah have mercy on him), who said:

After that, there are more than one narration indicating that Hussein (peace be upon him) suckled from the thumb of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him and his family)...

Al-Kulayni and Al-Saduq (may Allah have mercy on them) also narrated this, but what we have seen from these narrations is between being unverified and weak in chain. We have not found any that is authentically verified, but that does not mean the matter is entirely fabricated. Many truths have been narrated with weak chains or in unverified reports... In such cases, it is necessary not to hastily issue a definitive judgment on the authenticity of the report or its rejection unless its authenticity is confirmed or there are indications that necessitate its rejection...

(Islamic Radiance Center)

All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the worlds.

And peace and blessings be upon our master Muhammad and his pure family.